This paper exploits computational modelling of coupled heat and moisture transport to assess a hygrothermal performance of selected building assemblies. Identified moisture and temperature fields during a reference year (Olomouc and Prague, Czech Republic) are then coupled with hygrothermal patterns for optimal biofilm growth: 95 % and 21 °C or 80 % and 25 °C, respectively. Based on that, a number of positive hours within the reference year can be quantified and optimal conditions for biofilm growth can be evaluated. It was shown, that constructions built in Olomouc are more prone to biofilms growth than those built in Prague. Also lime cement plaster is more vulnerable than lime plaster because of its lower moisture diffusivity which allows retaining moisture for a longer period. Generally, the studied wall segments, being composed of solid brick, lime or lime cement plaster and thermal insulation, showed to be resistant to biofilms growth as the numbers of positive hours during the reference years were very low.

Topics
Thermodynamic states and processes, Cement, Computational models, Biofilms
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